Band to Watch: Baby Alpaca
Tuesday night was yet another confirmation that Brooklyn is the current hotbed of independent music. I finished up work for the day and hopped on the train to catch Gauntlet Hair at Glasslands. I absolutely adore the sound that Gauntlet Hair is able to produce and they played a fantastic set topped off by favorites, such as “Top Bunk.” While I expected Gauntlet Hair to deliver, it was opening act Baby Alpaca that really struck a chord.
Brooklyn’s Chris Kittrell uses the Baby Alpaca name to promote a dream rock vibe that comes off as a combination of Chris Isaak and Depeche Mode. As his set progressed, I continued to lean over to my friend that I met for the show and discuss the little moments of brilliance that we both saw. Kittrell, a Cincinnati native was dynamic with his delivery. Some of his songs were stripped to promote his unique vocals, while others were backed with a drum beat to create a more party-like atmosphere. The crowd in attendance roared as he closed out his set and fans begged for more.
One night in Brooklyn quickly makes me realize that it is impossible to dial into the pulse of all the great musicians that are playing small venues all across the country. This will not be the last time that you hear from Baby Alpaca. It is evident that Kittrell has the talent and the background to take this project a long way. I expect the buzz to pick up for Baby Alpaca as the debut full length is set to be released this summer. In the meantime, download their EP for free and make sure keep an eye out to see if they roll through your region.
Connect with Baby Alpaca via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Weekend Preview: Oberhofer & Sharon Van Etten in Cincinnati
Now that record store day is in the books, we in Cincinnati have the pleasure of another fabulous indie music based weekend on deck. On Friday, Sharon Van Etten will be performing at Mayday in the Northside in support of her fabulous recent album Tramp. One of my own Record Store Day vinyl purchases from Shake-It, the album is the first true triumph of Sharon’s young career. Intimately emotional and heart wrenching, I’d hate to be the guy that inspired this is album, but I thank him for being around Sharon to inspire this masterpiece of sound. Tickets are still available via TicketFly for a measly $10. Don’t miss out as this will probably reach a sell out shortly. Check out Sharon’s recent Tiny Desk Concert courtesy of NPR below if you’re still on the fence.
If that wasn’t enough, we have Tacoma born and current Brooklynite band Oberhofer in town on Saturday with Chicago based Young Man at the MOTR Pub in Over the Rhine (OTR). Oberhofer is touring in support of his debut LP Time Capsules II, which Brett reviewed earlier this year. A healthy dose of fun pop, I’ve been digging on it recently and am excited to see the show in person. As always at the MOTR pub, this is a FREE show so get out early and have a few beers at OTR’s best music spot. Check out Oberhofer’s Late Night debut on David Letterman below with album hit “Away Frm U” below.
Connect with Sharon Van Etten via Facebook | Twitter
Connect with Oberhofer via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Band to Watch: Drunk Mums
Upon referral from Aussie band ScotDrakula I present the Drunk Mums. This group adds to the great independent talent that is being produced from the land down under. They released their first EP Eventual Ghost in May of last year. The Drunk Mums sound like 1970s garage rock with a twist of SoCal surf punk. According to their Facebook page the band credits The Mummies, Black Lips, and Junior Kimbrough as influences. Title track, “Eventual Ghost” brings a heavy sound and a chorus that you can shake your head to. The Black Lips influence is noticeable and the vintage vibe shines in full view. Escape Monday and head back to the weekend by listening to their track “Heavy Penalties” and watching the video for “Eventual Ghost” below.
Connect with Drunk Mums via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 